There’s a perception that trainers get to work out all day. Oh, those lucky trainers! Up early in the morning, get the kids breakfast, walk the dog, get the kids off to school, throw the dishes in the sink, then run out the door and exercise all freakin’ day!

Even if that’s what I DID do, it would be insane. Who would move the car, run errands, straighten up the house, make sure there’s something healthy for dinner?

Forget about finding time to read, write, record, film, create, relax. I’m going to be busy exercising all day long with my clients and therefore I’ll be forever skinny and in awesome shape! It’s a lot of pressure, a load of crap, and (for me) not even close to reality.

Yes, I’m a personal trainer and group fitness instructor (among all my other titles and passions) and I love my job and my clients. But I still have to face the battle of the bulge just like everybody else. Nobody wants a chubby, out-of-shape trainer. It’s not good for business.

Over the years, I’ve gained and lost a ton of weight with pregnancies. And it totally sucks that our metabolism slows and we start losing muscle mass as early as our 20’s. Muscle burns more calories than body fat so as time marches on it gets harder and harder to lose a few measly pounds and keep it off.

Yeah, I know your struggle. I live it everyday.

So, you ask, how do you do it?

I set goals for myself, just like you. I create time in my schedule to exercise, work in my yoga practice, focus on making healthy food choices, and I schedule in some down time whenever I can.

And, just like you, I see and feel those annoying extra pounds. I am not a happy camper when I reach my “oh shit” weight. I can tell when I’m packing on a few and for clarification there’s a certain pair of my old jeans (or a number on the scale) that lets me know it’s time to kick it into high gear.

Here are my 12 tips to get back on track and start slimming down within a week:

1. Cut out sugar.

If you have to have it, no more than 15 grams a day and stay away from artificial sweeteners. (No diet soda).

2. Drink lots of water with fresh lemon.

Or you can use a few drops of any 100% lemon/citrus essential oil.

3. Use a smaller plate.

This simple tip has helped many of my clients (and myself) really connect to the concept of “portion control.”

4. Slow down.

Eat with chopsticks or scale down the size of your utensils. Use a small fork and a teaspoon, for example.

Laura McDonald is a busy mother of three, a musician, writer, foodie, an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Holistic Health Coach in NYC. She loves training her clients outdoors, writing rock songs, working on her yoga skills and creating recipes full of love. Start living your healthiest life and join Laura's online "21 Day Sexy, Fit & Lean Challenge" beginning April 6th! Her successful Slim Down program helps people eat clean, boost energy and lose weight and her 7 Day Winter Slim Down is now available! Laura offers online fitness programs like, "Sofa to Sensational" as well. Her unique fitness programs have been featured on NBC. Laura is available for private and corporate trainings and workshops and can be reached here. Laura is on a mission to help busy men and women of all ages create a leaner, sexier, stronger, body and mind.

Laura McDonald is a busy mother of three, a musician, writer, foodie, an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Holistic Health Coach in NYC. She loves training her clients outdoors, writing rock songs, working on her yoga skills and creating recipes full of love. Start living your healthiest life and join Laura's online "21 Day Sexy, Fit & Lean Challenge" beginning April 6th! Her successful Slim Down program helps people eat clean, boost energy and lose weight and her 7 Day Winter Slim Down is now available! Laura offers online fitness programs like, "Sofa to Sensational" as well. Her unique fitness programs have been featured on NBC. Laura is available for private and corporate trainings and workshops and can be reached here. Laura is on a mission to help busy men and women of all ages create a leaner, sexier, stronger, body and mind.

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